Suarez and Baines make my Merseyside XI, but which other Everton and Liverpool stars are there?
These teams are never easy to select. I’ve changed my mind a couple of times. And I’ve ended up with a team to attack – and not one that Jose Mourinho would send out to win 1-0 on its travels.If I was a manager, this would be my best XI. I’m feeling bold. This team would have a solid base but also a bit of dare and the golden ticket would be Luis Suarez. Let me know the eleven you would pick from Merseyside’s finest.
I like what Roberto Martinez is doing at Everton and Liverpool are most certainly a better side this season than they were last season. Take a look at my line-up.
The gaffers: Everton's Roberto Martinez (left) and Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers go head-to-head on Saturday
SIMON MIGNOLET
It’s a close run thing between the two goalkeepers. Tim Howard is very solid and has rebuilt his career since leaving Manchester United. He is a big player for Everton, but Mignolet just edges him. He had the start he would have dreamed of and has grown into filling Pepe Reina’s boots.
Safe hands: Rodgers signed Belgian goalkeeper Mignolet from Sunderland in the summer
GLEN JOHNSON
Seamus Coleman is probably the most improved player in the two squads. I see him relishing playing under Roberto Martinez and improving all the time. They are both attacking full-backs, but Glen Johnson just has a little bit more about him. He has experience and he is assured. Close again, but it’s Johnson for me. He’s a better defender.PHIL JAGIELKA
The second name on my team-sheet, after Steven Gerrard. Jagielka would be my vice-captain. He’s a proper defender and has been a wonderful signing for Everton. He defends with his life and has a joy in shutting out the rival striker that has taken him into the England team.
Born to defend: Jagielka holds off Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o
DANIEL AGGER
I went for Sylvain Distin originally, who has been an excellent free transfer signing for Everton, but Agger – when fit – has the edge. I want a left-foot, right-foot pairing at the heart of my defence to bring balance and Agger has a sweet left foot.
Case for the defence; Agger (right) challenges Glen Johnson in training
LEIGHTON BAINES
Baines has turned himself into an outstanding modern full-back, a free kick master and a player who enjoys attacking underlaps. He is vital to the way Everton play and his form this season has been very good, although he was a bit quiet for England last Friday against Chile. He has emerged to put pressure on Ashley Cole and he’s a cert for this line-up.
Outstanding: Baines has become Everton's key player in recent seasons
STEVEN GERRARD
The Liverpool captain is my captain in this team. I know I am probably biased because I shared a lot of happy memories playing with Stevie, but he is a fabulous footballer. He has reinvented himself too this season, playing a deeper, more disciplined role. And in my team of attacking talents, I would have to ask him to play the holding role. Although that does mean he can hit those stunning long range quarter-back passes from the base of midfield.
Captain marvel: Gerrard (second left) celebrates scoring against Newcastle earlier in the season
ROSS BARKLEY
He is a wonderfully gifted talent, a teenager who can grow to become a midfield superstar. He is the heir to Gerrard’s Merseyside throne and is thriving playing under Roberto Martinez. After an explosive start to the season, he has had a quieter spell but that is what happens to young player. It will be fascinating to see if he gets time on the ball in the pace of the derby.PHILIPPE COUTINHO
If we were picking a combination team for an away game, he wouldn’t make the side. It would have to be Gareth Barry to give us belt and braces in deep midfield. But I like the little Brazilian and his balance. He makes things happen. He gets in my selection ahead of Steven Pienaar, who hasn’t fully recovered from recent injuries, but has been a good Everton signing.
Creative forces: Young midfielders Barkley (left) and Coutinho make Jamie's composite XI
KEVIN MIRALLAS
The Belgian is my attacking left sided option in a 4-3-3 and would naturally link with Coutinho. Mirallas is effective cutting inside on to his stronger foot and would give this side balance. Mirallas gets forward and causes problems, can hit a good delivery and scores a goal.
Wing wizard: Mirallas (third left) has proved to be an astute signing for the Goodison Park club
LUIS SUAREZ
The jewel in the crown. A total nuisance to defenders, referees and, sometimes, his own team-mates. He has his form and confidence back and will be a menace to Everton in the derby. Jagielka and Distin will have to stop him and his direct running with the ball. He is in electric form in the Barclays Premier League.
Training day: Suarez gears up for the derby at Liverpool's complex at Melwood on Friday
DANIEL STURRIDGE
This is the hardest pick. I wanted to find a place for Romelu Lukaku – who wouldn’t? The powerhouse striker on loan from Chelsea has become a leader of the line for Everton and plays like he belongs, rather than being a temporary addition. His attitude is outstanding. But when you look at the partnership of Suarez and Sturridge this season, how can you leave him out? I also want to pick a team who could actually play in a real game, rather than selecting all three exciting, explosive forwads. Lukaku misses out but only just. Liverpool will know they have a job to do on him in the derby.
Dan the man: Sturridge (left) has been in prolific form for Liverpool this season
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